Boehner chokes up over 'miracle worker'

Speaker John Boehner recognized the doctor who delivered Rep. Jaime Herrera-Beutler’s (R-Wash.) baby, a woman Boehner described on the House floor as a “miracle worker.”

The Washington Republican’s daughter, Abigail Rose, was born last July. She’s the first person to survive Potter’s syndrome, a prenatal condition that prevents the development of the kidney and lungs.

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Boehner (R-Ohio) began his remarks on Wednesday by noting Dr. Jessica Bienstock, a doctor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine who visited the nation’s capital, saying “In her career she’s delivered 1,000 babies and one of them is well known to us.”

“We’re all familiar with Abigail’s story and the odds that she overcame,” Boehner continued.

“Dr. Bienstock is the miracle worker who helped give the gift of hope and life to this family,” the Speaker said, appearing to get choked up for a moment. Boehner praised Bienstock to heavy applause from his colleagues, saying, “I think our House owes a debt of gratitude to her and to all of our doctors, nurses, and medical professionals.”